Good morning. Here are six verified updates shaping Pistoia and the wider province on Wednesday, August 19.
New director appointed for Pistoia’s public-health consortium
Maria Chiara Innocenti has been named director of the Società della Salute di Pistoia, the consortium coordinating local health and social-care services. Currently administrative director at Perugia hospital, she is due to take up the Pistoia post on September 7, following a handover that runs through September 6. Source: Report Pistoia, August 18.
City doubles support for cultural projects
Pistoia’s municipal administration has increased funding for cultural activities linked to the Italian Capital of the Book programme from €24,000 to €48,000. The additional municipal contribution means all 18 projects approved by the technical commission can receive support, strengthening the role of local associations in the city’s reading and cultural programme. Source: Report Pistoia, August 18, reporting the municipal decision.
Wheelchair user reports being denied bus access three times
A 59-year-old Pistoia resident says she was unable to board local buses with her wheelchair on three occasions in recent weeks and had to make difficult journeys home unaided. Autolinee Toscane has urged passengers to submit formal reports so individual incidents can be investigated. The case has renewed attention on reliable, barrier-free access to public transport. Source: La Nazione, August 14.
Wild-boar concern grows in Calamecca
Residents of Calamecca, in San Marcello Piteglio, report groups of wild boar entering roads, gardens and vegetable plots, damaging crops and increasing concern about encounters after dark. The Province of Pistoia is assessing targeted population-control measures, while residents also point to road-safety risks and the added precautions required because of African swine fever. Source: Il Tirreno, August 12.
Via Ponzano closure planned for Friday
Via Ponzano will be closed to traffic near number 4 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, August 21, for repairs to a water leak. Parking will also be prohibited between numbers 4 and 30. Emergency access will be maintained where work conditions allow, and pedestrians will have a protected route. Source: Report Pistoia, August 18, based on the municipal traffic notice.
Castellina wins Serravalle’s Palio after 17 years
Castellina captured the 31st Palio dei Rioni in Serravalle with 72 points, ending a 17-year wait for victory. Masotti finished second on 62, followed by Serravalle and Ponte di Serravalle. The event also raised €850 for Meyer Children’s Hospital. Serravalle’s programme continues today with the feast of San Lodovico, including a procession, band concert and late-evening fireworks. Source: Report Pistoia, August 19.
This briefing is an original English-language digest of local reporting and official information available on the morning of August 19, 2026.